Federal

Launch Weather Officer, SLD 45

Space Systems Command ยท Department of the Air Force
๐Ÿ“ Cape Canaveral AFS, Florida NH-3 $90,173 - $139,398/yr
Posted: Feb 9, 2026 Deadline: Feb 16, 2026 (Closes tomorrow days left)

About This Position

To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here. For additional information on other USSF direct hire opportunities visit the Air Force Civilian Careers Space Force website and follow USSF on LinkedIn.

Qualifications

The 1340 series does not have an individual occupational requirement that must be met and can be viewed here. There is no Group Coverage Qualification Standard for this series.

Major Duties

The United States Space Force (USSF) The 45th Weather Squadron at Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida is seeking to hire a Launch Weather Officer in support of Space Launch Delta 45. (NH-1340-03, GS-12/13 Equivalent) Description: Why work for Space Launch Delta 45? Space Launch Delta 45 is the World's Premier Gateway to Space, delivering assured space launch and combat capabilities for the nation. As part of Space Launch Delta 45, the 45th Weather Squadron exploits the weather to assure access to air and space. The 45th Weather Squadron is responsible for providing tailored forecasts and resource protection for the Eastern Range, spanning over 15 million square miles. Comprised of Active Duty Air Force and Space Force Civilian Personnel, the squadron supports various operations, ranging from aviation forecasting to prescribed burns and ground transports to rocket launches. We're seeking an experienced and operationally focused Meteorologist to fill the position of Launch Weather Officer. As a Launch Weather Officer, you will play a mission-critical role in the success and safety of space launch operations. You will be the subject matter expert on all atmospheric and space weather conditions, relied upon by Launch Service Providers to guide their operational decision making from generation phase activities through launch. On day-of-launch, you will evaluate weather conditions against a pre-set suite of rules and thresholds called Launch Commit Criteria, in which you will provide GO/NO-GO calls for launch. When not directly supporting day-of-launch events, you will produce tailored weather forecasts and provide weather briefings on a routine basis for various operations occurring across the Range. Come join a team of high functioning Meteorologists impacting the future of space operations! Desired Skills/Expertise: 1. Bachelor's degree or higher in meteorology (preferred), atmospheric science, or other natural science. IAW with OPM Guidance on the 1340 Job Series: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/meteorology-series-1340/ 2. Knowledge of professional meteorological concepts, principles, techniques, and practices, including weather observation, forecasting, communications, and support procedures to serve as the Launch Weather Officer responsible for the entire spectrum of weather services provided to launch operations. 3. Knowledge of advanced meteorological theories, concepts, principles, and processes to develop and validate new requirements, technical approaches, product proposals, etc. 4. Knowledge of current and emerging weather technology, to include instrumentation, equipment, systems, and numerical weather prediction models. 5. Skill in weather radar interrogation and familiarization with Gibson Ridge radar software. 6. Knowledge of tropical weather forecasting techniques and the ability to properly message impacts of tropical storms and hurricanes to a wide audience. 7. Ability to set priorities and make high-quality decisions in a fast-paced, high-stress, teamwork-oriented operational environment governed by rapidly changing deadlines and shifting work schedules with the expectation of superior coordination and collaboration with launch service providers, scientists and technicians, and other professionals (DoW, other federal agencies, contractors, academia, etc.). 8. Ability to teach/mentor and communicate clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy, both orally and in writing.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies as related to the series and grade of the position being filled. Final qualifications determinations will be assessed based on OPM's General Schedule Qualifications Standards found here: Interviews: You will be contacted by e-mail and/or telephone if your application is identified as qualifying for a position being filled. An interview may be conducted. If interviewed, you will be asked to address the same knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies used to initially qualify your application for the position.

Additional Information

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.

How to Apply

Do not email applications. To submit your resume for this Direct Hire opportunity click here. PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.

Required Documents

Resume: You must submit a resume that may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume exceeds two pages or is illegible/unreadable. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your resume must provide: Personal information - your full name, email and mailing addresses, phone number Education information - the name of the school and the dates you attended Work experience - paid and unpaid work with the following information: Job title Detailed duties and accomplishments Employer's name and address Supervisor's name and phone number Starting and ending dates (If actual dates are not known, provide your best-estimated timeframes.) Hours per week Salary, if applicable Other qualifications - skills, certifications/licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and job-related training courses College Transcripts (if applicable): Please see the Education section of this announcement for detailed information about transcripts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Launch Weather Officer, SLD 45 position at Space Systems Command?
The salary range for this position is $90,173 - $139,398/yr. This is a NH-3 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Launch Weather Officer, SLD 45 job located?
This position is located in Cape Canaveral AFS, Florida. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
The 1340 series does not have an individual occupational requirement that must be met and can be viewed here. There is no Group Coverage Qualification Standard for this series.
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Feb 16, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Secret clearance is required.
What does NH-3 mean?
NH-3 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.